Tracey Tanner- Kick ass leather

I got to hang out yesterday with my friend Tracey and her muppet-dog, Cleo in their Williamsburg studio. Tracey's an inspiration to me because of her can-do attitude. She's off to Coachella this weekend, but we caught up and had a little chat about making, creativity, and using power tools.

Isobel: You make really gorgeous leather goods. Can you tell me a little about how you got your start as a designer?

Tracey: I
went to Pratt Institute and studied fashion design. I ended up making
leather jackets as part of my collection senior year and had a bunch of
scrap left over so I decided to make some small items out of them. My
little cousins really liked them and had me make some for them and their
friends. After that they suggested I take them to stores (which I did)
and it grew from there. I've always been designing things but I fell
into the accessories and as long as I'm happy doing it I see no need to
make any changes.

Tracey and her design assistant, Sarah, in the studio

Isobel: You make all your bags in the US. Can you talk a little about what lead you to that decision?

Tracey: I
do make everything in the US - most in house. As things are growing
I'm having some local ladies help with sewing but every piece is still
being cut in my studio. There is a level of quality that I strive for
(I make products to last) and I think it's hard to maintain that level
of craftsmanship for thousands of miles away. I like support local
crafts-people.

Tracey and Cleo

Isobel: We were chatting today about the creative environment of Williamsburg. Does that inform you creatively?

Tracey: It's
nice to have creative energy around me but I find inspiration
everywhere. I try to spend very little time looking at what others are
doing or what "trend" is happening. I kind of do my own thing. I make
things that I want to use and use leathers that I find interesting.

Isobel: Is there a specific woman you design for?

Tracey: I
try to offer a range of products for all types of women. My client
ranges from 20's - 60's generally (30's and 40's probably the most). My
client is a utilitarian woman, using items that can transition for all
types of occasions. The range I have for men is somewhat limited but
again utilitarian.